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Scientific name: Aglais io

Red wings with black markings and distinctive eyespots on tips of fore and hind wings.

The Peacock's spectacular pattern of eyespots, evolved to startle or confuse predators, make it one of the most easily recognized and best known species. It is from these wing markings that the butterfly gained its common name. Undersides of the wings are very dark and look like dead leaves. A fairly large butterfly and a strong flyer.

Although a familiar visitor to garden buddleias in late summer, the Peacock's strong flight and nomadic instincts lead it to range widely through the countryside, often finding its preferred habitats in the shelter of woodland clearings, rides, and edges.

The species is widespread and has continued to expand its range in northern parts of Britain and Ireland.

Size and Family

Family – Nymphalids

Medium/Large Sized

Wing Span Range (male to female) - 63-69mm

Conservation status

UK BAP status: Not listed

Butterfly Conservation priority: Low

European status: Not threatened

Caterpillar Foodplants

Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), although eggs and larvae are occasionally reported on Small Nettle (U. urens) and Hop (Humulus lupulus)